But after suffering such a huge loss this time, how could the King of Donghu possibly endure it?
A 200,000-strong elite army gone, all in one battle.
Not only that, but all the previously anticipated spoils of war had amounted to nothing. The captured population, the plundered wealth, grain, and resources none of it had been transported back.
The Qin army had wiped out the state of Yan too quickly. Donghu had barely begun conquering Yan's northern cities when Qin forces descended upon them and annihilated their troops. None of the captured people, money, or supplies had made it back to Donghu.
In the end, Donghu had lost men and resources but gained nothing.
The kingdom's strength had been severely weakened.
"My people have suffered such a great loss, and you expect me to endure it?"
"How could I possibly endure this?"
"Generals!"
"How many troops can we still mobilize?" The King of Donghu asked coldly.
"Your Majesty," a general replied loudly, "our entire tribe is ready to fight. At your command, we can immediately form an army."
"Since Qin has provoked us, they can't blame me for retaliating."
"Pass down my orders!"
"Mobilize 400,000 troops!"
"March south and attack Qin!"
"This time, I will personally lead the army and make Qin pay the price!" The King of Donghu roared in fury.
"Your Majesty," one general said gravely, "400,000 troops make up nearly a third of our able-bodied men. If we mobilize them all, how will we defend against the Xiongnu?"
"The Xiongnu? Do you think they dare oppose us?"
The King of Donghu scoffed. To him, the Xiongnu were insignificant.
At this point in history, the Xiongnu were not the dominant force on the grasslands. Compared to Donghu, they were much weaker.
For years, the Xiongnu had been paying tribute to Donghu, and Donghu had been suppressing them, preventing them from rising to power.
"Pass down my command!"
"Assemble the troops!"
"Within twenty days, I want 400,000 soldiers ready to march!"
"Prepare all the necessary supplies!"
The King of Donghu barked his orders.
"Your Majesty," another general hesitated, "while gathering 400,000 men in twenty days might be possible, the supply logistics will take much longer."
"Supplying 400,000 soldiers with provisions, as well as fodder for the warhorses, will be an enormous burden."
"One month!"
"At most, I'll give you one month."
"The supplies must be ready!"
The King of Donghu was not interested in excuses. He issued his orders decisively.
Seeing his king's fury, the logistics officer had no choice but to grit his teeth and nod in obedience.
Donghu only had a population of a few million. Their resources were limited.
Even Qin, a vastly more powerful state, would need over a month to fully equip and supply 400,000 troops for battle. For a smaller kingdom like Donghu, the difficulty was even greater.
Yet, the King of Donghu was determined to make it happen, forcing his men to comply.
"Qin!"
"You wiped out nearly 200,000 of my warriors. Then I shall slaughter your soldiers and burn your cities!"
"Blood for blood!"
The King of Donghu's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
To him, Qin was now an enemy to be eradicated.
Since taking the throne, he had never suffered such a devastating loss. There was no way he could simply endure it.
But what the King of Donghu didn't know
At the border between Qin and the northern grasslands, a secret army had already assembled.
A force of 10,000 elite troops.
2,000 of them were Zhao Feng's guards.
With the power of the Fate-Sealing Seal boosting them, each one of them was capable of taking on ten enemies at once.
All of them were skilled martial artists.
The rest were 8,000 battle-hardened warriors, veterans who had killed countless foes in combat.
At this moment
Every one of them was mounted on warhorses, longbows slung across their backs, carrying at least fifty arrows each.
Each warrior wielded a spear, had a sword hanging from their saddle, and carried ten days' worth of rations and water in their saddlebags.
As they waited in solemn silence
Zhao Feng rode forward on his horse.
His presence was as commanding as ever, his aura radiating an overwhelming killing intent.
"I won't waste words."
"You are the strongest warriors of my Wu'an Camp, handpicked by your commanders."
"This battle…"
"The risks are unknown."
"I will lead you deep into enemy territory. We will repay blood with blood, an eye for an eye."
"I want to ensure that the northern barbarians dare not invade again for years to come."
"However…"
"As I said, this battle will be extremely dangerous."
"I cannot guarantee that all of you will return."
"Many of you have families."
"And so, before we set off, I must ask."
Zhao Feng's sharp eyes swept over his soldiers.
"Those who are their family's only son, step forward!"
His voice rang out with authority.
Immediately, among the ten thousand cavalry, a few hundred soldiers slowly rode forward.
"Those who have living parents, step forward!"
"Those who have wives and children, step forward!"
"Those who are married but have no children yet, step forward!"
One by one, Zhao Feng called them out.
More and more men moved forward until nearly two thousand of them stood apart from the main force.
But then, after a moment of hesitation
They began to withdraw back into the ranks.
"What are you doing?"
Zhao Feng frowned.
One soldier stepped forward, his voice resolute.
"To destroy the barbarians and protect China"
"Even if I am my family's only son, I do not regret it!"
"Even if I have a wife and children, I do not regret it!"
"Even if I have parents to care for, I do not regret it!"
"This is our duty as soldiers!"
"If we fall in battle, our families will be cared for by the empire!"
"We are willing to follow you, General, to the death!"
His words struck deep.
The soldiers who had stepped forward before now roared in unison
"To the death! We follow the General to the end!"
Zhao Feng gazed at his troops, their eyes filled with unyielding determination.
He sighed deeply.
But when he looked up again, his expression was steely.
These men were ready to lay down their lives.
And so, their voices became one:
"To the death! We follow the General!"
Seeing this,
A trace of surprise flashed in Zhao Feng's eyes.
This northern expedition would be several times more dangerous than the current pursuit of the foreign tribes.
With over ten thousand men setting out, Zhao Feng was not confident about how many he could bring back.
After all, the northern frontier was too unfamiliar, and he did not know its terrain and conditions.
For the Central Plains, the vast northern desert was difficult to conquer too complex, too expansive.
Seeing the determination in his troops' eyes, Zhao Feng said no more.
Raising the Overlord Spear in his hand, he shouted in a commanding voice:
"Qin's elite warriors, march forth!"
As his words fell, Zhao Feng turned his horse and charged toward the northern frontier.
"Follow the General! Kill!"
Ten thousand cavalrymen roared in unison, their voices brimming with excitement as they followed Zhao Feng forward.
Xianyang!
"Report!"
"Great victory in Xiangping of Yan!"
A messenger rushed into the grand hall, holding a sealed battle report in his hands.
"A great victory!"
Hearing these two words, Ying Zheng's brows lifted slightly.
The eyes of the entire court focused on the messenger.
The words "great victory" could only mean an overwhelming triumph.
"No need to present it read it aloud directly."
Ying Zheng waved his hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The messenger immediately stood at attention.
Facing the entire court of ministers, he was both excited and nervous such an occasion was a rare honor in a lifetime.
Unrolling the battle report, the messenger read aloud in a steady voice:
"Your humble subject, Zhao Feng, submits this report to His Majesty."
"Foreign tribes have invaded our sacred land and slaughtered our people."
"Your humble subject led the army in pursuit at the northern frontier of Yan."
"After nearly a month of relentless battle, victory has finally been secured."
"In the battle of Xiangping,
your humble subject led the army against the foreign invaders in a decisive engagement, slaying countless enemies.
"As the enemy forces routed, I led my troops in pursuit, cutting down countless more beyond the northern border."
"According to the Central Army's tally:
"Of the 200,000 enemy invaders, our forces have slain nearly 180,000."
"Their army has been almost annihilated."
"I led an army of 150,000 into battle."
"Our casualties and losses amount to nearly 40,000."
"A victory achieved at a ratio of nearly five to one."
"A resounding triumph."
The messenger's voice echoed throughout the imperial court.
Upon hearing the battle report, the civil and military officials alike widened their eyes in disbelief.
"Our forces lost fewer than 40,000, while the enemy suffered nearly 180,000 casualties?"
"What an astonishing achievement!"
"This is completely different from the conquest of Zhao."
"In the war against Zhao, General Zhao Feng relied on a strategy to achieve miraculous results."
"But this time, the General directly led his army into a head-on confrontation with the foreign invaders yet still won such an overwhelming victory."
"Losing 40,000 while killing 180,000?"
"A victory ratio of nearly five to one!"
"This is beyond belief!"
"The Wu'an Army, despite being the youngest military division in Qin, has demonstrated unparalleled combat prowess under General Zhao Feng's command."
"Truly remarkable!"
"Only 20,000 enemy soldiers managed to escape back to their lands."
"The foreign tribes have suffered an unprecedented defeat."
"General Zhao Feng has not only brought glory to Qin but has also asserted the dominance of the Central Plains."
"These barbaric tribes dared to invade our lands and slaughter our people they deserve annihilation. Killing 180,000 of them is more than justified."
"Indeed!"
"It calls for a grand celebration!"
"Barbaric invaders should be met with this kind of iron-fisted response..."
Hearing such a victory, many ministers in the court erupted into excited discussions.
Especially the military officials although they were not personally on the battlefield, they had all once been soldiers. They could fully comprehend how extraordinary this victory was.
They could also envision how stunning and decisive the battle must have been.
"Zhao Feng is truly worthy of his title as Qin's Supreme General."
"Worthy of leading our elite forces, worthy of the trust of Qin's people."
"This battle has not only showcased the might of Qin but also the dominance of our entire civilization!"
Ying Zheng burst into hearty laughter, his voice filled with admiration for Zhao Feng.
At this moment, he even had the urge to publicly declare to the entire court:
"Do you see? This is my son! A war god in his own right!"
Such a monumental victory how could he not be moved?
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
"This battle will ensure that the foreign tribes regard Qin as a fierce tiger, never daring to invade again!"
"We humbly request that Your Majesty bestow great honors and rewards upon Supreme General Zhao Feng!"
"I second this!"
"A merit so great must be rewarded handsomely!"
"Your Majesty, please grant Zhao Feng a noble title and abundant rewards!"
...
A chorus of voices filled the imperial court, all united in their plea.
At this moment, the court seemed to be speaking with a single voice petitioning for Zhao Feng's recognition.
This victory was simply too spectacular.
Moreover, it was fundamentally different from the campaigns against other states.
This battle had not only showcased Qin's might but also the indomitable spirit of the Central Plains civilization itself.
How could any son of China not feel proud?
How could anyone not be exhilarated?
Amidst the unified call for recognition, Wang Wan and Chunyu Yue's faces turned increasingly grim.
A feat of such magnitude wiping out foreign invaders had stirred the court into a frenzy, even more so than the conquest of Yan.
What objections could they possibly raise?
"Reward him he must be rewarded!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily.
He had been searching for an opportunity to further elevate Zhao Feng's status.
After all, Zhao Feng had already been ennobled for his role in conquering Yan.
But now, with this overwhelming triumph against the foreign invaders, the heavens had practically gifted Zhao Feng another grand merit.
With such an astonishing victory whether or not Zhao Feng was his son Ying Zheng would have been deeply moved.
Let alone the fact that he was.
"Your Majesty,"
"Perhaps we should first hear the rest of the report."
Wei Liao said with a smile.
"Indeed."
Ying Zheng nodded and looked at the messenger.
"Continue reading."
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
The urgent messenger did not dare to delay and continued reading aloud:
"This great victory is not my achievement alone, but the achievement of all the soldiers of the Wu'an Camp. These warriors have followed me through long and arduous journeys, slaughtering the invaders and demonstrating the might of our Huaxia civilization."
"I hereby request a decree:
All fallen warriors of Wu'an Camp from the State of Wei shall be posthumously promoted by one rank, and compensation shall be issued to their families. All wounded warriors shall also be promoted by one rank and receive due compensation."
"Furthermore, the threat of the foreign tribes cannot be ignored.
Although they have suffered a heavy loss this time, they will surely regroup and return.
Thus, I have already led ten thousand cavalrymen deep into the northern frontier to strike at the heart of the enemy.
I ask Your Majesty to await my triumphant news."
At this point, the urgent report was fully delivered.
However, the previously smiling Ying Zheng now wore a cold expression.
The officials in the court were all shocked.
"Wang Jian."
"Look at your good son-in-law. He truly has no regard for his own life."
Ying Zheng turned to Wang Jian, his voice tinged with anger.
Hearing this, Wang Jian stepped forward and immediately replied, "Zhao Feng is Your Majesty's loyal subject. If he has chosen to lead his troops into the northern frontier, he must have his reasons. I trust him."
This single statement only barely stopped short of saying outright that Zhao Feng was Ying Zheng's son.
Among the court officials, this fact was already an unspoken truth.
Ying Zheng cast Wang Jian an irritated glance, but his expression remained solemn.
"Zhao Feng is truly courting death."
"Leading ten thousand troops deep into the northern frontier"
"This is almost certain doom."
Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang exchanged glances, their eyes filled with glee.
Although they could no longer openly suppress Zhao Feng, his reckless actions this time might well lead to his demise.
Marching ten thousand troops deep into the northern desert
This was no different from plunging straight into the heart of enemy territory.
Whether it was the Donghu, the Xiongnu, or any of the other northern tribes, they would never let this opportunity slip away.
Even if Zhao Feng planned his moves wisely, this was a battle with no chance of victory.
"Wang Qing, do you not think Zhao Feng's actions are too reckless?"
"Leading ten thousand troops into the northern frontier is no different from walking into a death trap," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"I trust Zhao Feng."
Wang Jian raised his head, holding his court tablet firmly as he replied with unwavering conviction.
Although he was surprised by Zhao Feng's bold decision, the situation was already set in motion, and stopping it was no longer an option.
It was better to support him outright.
After all, even if they sent reinforcements now, it would be too late to catch up.
"If anything happens to Zhao Feng, we will lose a great general of Qin," Ying Zheng said, his face dark with concern.
At this moment, his worry was evident.
He even imagined Zhao Feng in danger in the northern frontier.
If anything truly happened to Zhao Feng, how would he explain it to his mother?
Ying Zheng could already picture Xia Dong'er overcome with grief.
"I trust him."
Wang Jian raised his head once again and reaffirmed his stance.
Ying Zheng's expression remained tense, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.
"Your Majesty,"
"I too believe in General Zhao Feng."
Wei Liao stepped forward and spoke.
"I believe as well."
"General Zhao Feng has commanded an army, conquered Yan, and crushed the enemy.
I trust that he will make the right decisions on the battlefield." Han Fei also stepped forward.
"I second this."
One official after another stepped forward in agreement.
Even Wang Wan and the others followed suit.
Seeing this,
Ying Zheng no longer argued. Sweeping his gaze across the court, he declared:
"I decree"
"The news of Zhao Feng's victory over two hundred thousand enemy invaders shall be proclaimed across the land."
"I want all of China to know of Zhao Feng's achievements, his efforts to protect Huaxia."
"And his decision to march ten thousand cavalry into the northern frontier shall also be made known."
"I want the world to see Zhao Feng's bravery."
This
Was still part of Ying Zheng's plan to elevate Zhao Feng's reputation.
Before, Zhao Feng was merely a great general of Qin, a symbol of the empire's military might.
But now, by crushing nearly two hundred thousand invaders, he had not only demonstrated Qin's power but also rekindled the pride of the Huaxia people.
This victory would push Zhao Feng's fame to even greater heights.
"Your Majesty, do you not fear that this will make him too powerful?"
"Elevating a single subject to such heights could be detrimental to the authority of the throne."
Wang Wan and many court officials were perplexed.
Zhao Feng had indeed achieved great things, but now the court itself was further bolstering his reputation. This would make him immensely influential.
And for a ruler, the greatest threat was always public opinion.
History had shown
If a minister's reputation surpassed that of the emperor, it often signaled the minister's downfall.
Reputation could be transformed into power.
And power could lead to rebellion.
But Ying Zheng showed no concern whatsoever.
"Is His Majesty intentionally setting him up?"
"For future punishment?"
Even Wang Wan, a seasoned politician, could not fully understand Ying Zheng's intentions.
Was this a trap?
A calculated move to bring Zhao Feng down at a later time?
"I accept the decree."
Wang Wan stepped forward to take on the task.
Proclaiming official decrees was the duty of his chancellor's office.
"This boy truly keeps you on edge."
After issuing the decree, Ying Zheng could only hope for the best.
At this moment
"Wei Qing."
"Monitor the northern frontier of Yan closely."
"The moment any news of Zhao Feng arrives, report to me immediately, no matter the hour."
"I must be the first to know of his situation."
Ying Zheng turned to Wei Liao and instructed.
His concern was now fully visible.
"I accept the decree," Wei Liao said respectfully.
"And,"
"Wang Qing."
"General Meng."
Ying Zheng turned to Wang Jian and Meng Wu.
"We await Your Majesty's command," the two generals responded at once.
"Prepare to mobilize two army camps at any time."
"If Zhao Feng is truly in danger if he falls into the hands of the Donghu"
"I will raze the Donghu to the ground." Ying Zheng declared coldly.
He did not attempt to conceal his deep protectiveness.
Hearing these words,
The court officials' expressions all changed.
But seeing how deeply the king worried,
They could find no words to object.
After all, the current priority of Qin was unifying the realm.
If they truly waged war against the Donghu now, it would derail their grand strategy!
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